As I was reading this article, I was struck by how personal McPhee tends to get with his subjects- may it be oranges or people. He researches everything about his topic and makes references to past subjects that demonstrate his admirable knack of memory and research and passion.
The article is about a couple who decides to give up their city life and move to the country where they make their own cabin and the troubles that follow. McPhee stays with them through their journey, noting and writing every small, what some may consider mundane, details about their new lives.
McPhee's writing is journalism with twist.